D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) shares surged in premarket trading after the company announced an expanded partnership with AT&T (T) to deploy its annealing quantum computers across additional areas of network operations, including outage detection and traffic management. AT&T previously used D-Wave’s technology in a limited capacity, cutting one network optimization task from one hour to under 15 seconds. The telecom giant now projects the technology could save customers around 12 million hours of downtime.
The news lifted the broader quantum sector, with IonQ (IONQ) gaining 3.8%, Rigetti Computing (RGTI) rising 3.4%, and Quantinuum (QNT) adding 2.8%. However, the rally was also fueled by D-Wave’s decision to shift its stock listing from the NYSE to the Nasdaq, where CEO Dr. Alan Baratz and the leadership team rang the Opening Bell, increasing visibility among tech-focused institutional investors. Additionally, Benchmark analysts initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a $30 price target, implying over 65% upside, citing D-Wave’s unique position as a commercial dual-platform leader already generating real-world revenue from its annealing technology.
Despite the strong day, QBTS remains down over 35% year-to-date. D-Wave is also advancing its gate-model quantum systems, targeting over one million operations by 2032, which could expand its addressable market.
